What to Look for in an AC Repair Technician

07/08/2015

It’s time to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is absolutely heating up here in Pinellas County. Your AC is going to be in for a workout this season. If you haven’t already, it’s a smart idea to have an AC repair professional identified and suitably vetted before your AC has any problems surviving an incoming heatwave.

It would be optimal if you could just pick the first number out of the phone book and be assured that they’ll do a good job, but there are companies out there that are looking to take advantage of your unfortunate situation. We don’t want to leave you sweating a crooked repairman or the heat so the team at Hale's Air Conditioning Services Inc has some red flags to look out for that let you know you may be dealing with an untrustworthy company.

1) Requesting Full Payment Ahead of Starting Work

A reputable company will provide you with an estimate prior to beginning any work. Any company requesting payment prior to starting work should set off the alarm bells. Another request of a shady company is asking for payment in cash. This could lead to annoyances down the road having your problem fixed accurately or completely.

2) Quotes a Cost Ahead of Inspection

A technician may have an idea of what is going wrong with your air conditioner over a phone call, but they won’t know for certain until they have actually inspected your system. Look for a company that will provide you with an estimate only following an inspection.

3) Refuses to Put it in Writing

If you’ve viewed even 5 minutes of a court show on TV, you know you have to get it in writing. This is non-negotiable. If a company isn’t willing to put the labor and charges into writing, don’t have confidence in them to finish the work. By getting a signed contract before work begins you’re making certain that you and your contractor are on the same page and you’ll have no surprise costs after work has been completed.

4) They aren’t licensed

Not every state requires that contractors are licensed, but the majority do. You can easily search online and see if licenses are required where you live. If you reside in a state that requires licensing, by choosing a licensed company, you’re protecting yourself from a company that uses unqualified workers. And any problems or issues with the company you choose can be reported. If you come across a company that is operating without a license, there’s almost certainly a reason for that and you’ll want keep clear.

These warning signs will hopefully help guide you along as you’re looking for a credible AC repair technician in the Pinellas County area. The pros at Hale's Air Conditioning Services Inc are ready to get the job done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 727-398-5515 or schedule an appointment up with us anytime using our online scheduler.

About Hale's Air Conditioning Services Inc

With more than 100 years in the industry, Lennox has always provided industry-leading innovation and technology while upholding strict durability and reliability standards. The experts at Hale's Air Conditioning Services Inc help bring those standards to Pinellas County so that you can always experience complete home comfort. If you’re looking for a new HVAC system or even if you just have a question about what we carry, give us a call at 727-398-5515 or set up an appointment with us online. We’d love to hear from you.